Public favors cameras, but legal barriers impeded use

Oxnard residents favored red light camera enforcement even before it produced positive effects on crashes. Once the enforcement got under way at city intersections, support increased. Similar support prevails nationwide. Opinions about camera use are favorable in communities with and without enforcement programs, according to a recent Institute survey in 10 cities.

Despite this support, officials in many U.S. jurisdictions aren't able to implement camera programs. Only nine states and the District of Columbia have laws either granting the use of cameras statewide or allowing them in specific communities. Without explicit authorization, camera use may not be possible (see Status Report special issue: state traffic safety laws, Dec. 20, 2000).

"The effectiveness of cameras plus the clear public support for using them should persuade state lawmakers to remove the legal hurdles," says Institute president Brian O'Neill.